Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Health and UNFPA Executive Director Renew Commitment for the Procurement of Lifesaving Reproductive Health Supplies

Country: Papua New Guinea Source: United Nations Population Fund Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 23 April 2026 The Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today formalized the renewal of the UNFPA Supplies Compact for 2026–2027, securing continued access to essential reproductive health commodities for women and girls across the country. The renewal demonstrates PNG’s significant national leadership and commitment to improving maternal health and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Pacific region. The multi-year agreement reinforces national health priorities to reduce maternal mortality and address the unmet need for family planning through predictable financing and a strengthened supply chain. “It is a great pleasure to be in Papua New Guinea to formalize the renewal of the UNFPA Supplies Compact, ” said Ms. Diene Keita, UNFPA Executive Director. “The Government’s extraordinary financial commitment will cover approximately half of all reproductive and maternal health commodity costs for 2026, and UNFPA is proud to match this commitment. Together, we can ensure that these lifesaving medicines and supplies reach everyone who needs them, including in the most remote communities, so that no one is left behind. ” The renewed Compact secures $1, 520, 000 for 2026 and an indicative $1, 525, 000 for 2027 from the Government of PNG, positioning the country as one of the highest contributing Supplies Compact countries in the Asia Pacific region. UNFPA contributed over $3 million for the procurement of reproductive commodities in 2024 and 2025 respectively, and a process will now be initiated to trigger matching funds for 2026 upon the signing of this Compact. The Honourable Elias Kapavore, Minister of Health, highlighted the direct impact of the partnership: “The renewal of this Supplies Compact is crucial because it ensures sustained access to lifesaving reproductive health commodities, aligning directly with our national health priorities. I commend the consistent leadership of the National Department of Health in tackling challenges such as maternal mortality, the unmet need for family planning, and access to quality services. This dedication is fundamental to building government capacity for sustainable supply chains to prevent stockouts and empowering our health workers to deliver rights-based family planning services to every person in Papua New Guinea. ” UNFPA remains a trusted and strategic partner to the Government of PNG, dedicated to providing the technical assistance needed to address supply chain gaps and improve maternal health outcomes across the country.

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